MatcomNews Update: Possible Suspect In Swan Killing Interviewed By Police

[matcom]

<snip>

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Tuesday morning, police spoke with a possible suspect in the death of a Lake Eola swan. Eyewitnesses said they saw a man strangle the black swan and throw it in the lake to die.

Although the man was questioned, the possible suspect in the swan killing has not been charged because, police admitted, they didn't have probable cause yet.

Police had five known witnesses, but they needed any others to come forward to try to positively identify the suspect.

Police believe several people saw what happened late Sunday night. Channel 9 spoke with two witnesses Monday who watched in disbelief and disgust as, they said, a man picked up a black swan from Lake Eola by the neck, strangled it, and then threw it back into the water to die.

The struggling swan is believed to have drowned because it couldn't pick up its neck after being attacked. Meanwhile the swan's mate was seen shortly after crying for the other one, but the black swan never called back.

"The mate to that swan was crying and it was awful hearing her do that," said eyewitness Anna Horton. "She was in distress. She was calling and there was no one calling her back."

The person responsible for killing the swan was described as a white man, 5' 1", shaved hair with blonde stubble, with a Tennessee driver's license and said to be 23 years old.

"Really, we're asking if anyone, based on description, go to a park ranger or call Crimeline. We are diligently working this case," said Sgt. Barbara Jones, Orlando Police Department.

The hope is, by getting more witnesses to come forward, they can show them a picture of the possible suspect in a photo lineup. If police get a positive ID, they can charge him.

http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/4995005/detail.html

[Hugin]

1. This is a case of plain MEAN!

Why would anyone kill a swan?

[Scooter24]

2. How awful!!

To even think of killing such a beautiful and gentle creature.

:cry:

[flvegan]

3. "Several people saw what happened...two watched in disbelief"

Okay, maybe all these folks were unable to do anything physically, but where the fuck are all the stand up people in this world? Most folks have a cell phone, and could call the cops, or hell, take a damn picture with it (so many have those cameras, now). Christ, if you have the means, physically stop someone in the commission of a felonious act such as this.

Shit, I'd have clotheslined his ass.

[NorthernSpy]

6. absolutely!

Christ, if you have the means, physically stop someone in the commission of a felonious act such as this.

Shit, I'd have clotheslined his ass.

Me too!

Or I'd at least have tried to do that. I have never hesitated to come to the aid of an animal or person who is being harmed by some bully. When something so dreadful is happening, even a confrontation-shy person can rise to the occasion and be temporarily brave.

Wish someone there had helped the poor swan!

[flamingyouth]

9. Too bad you weren't there...

I probably would have been screaming my head off at him to stop. I definitely would have called the cops on my cell phone. But I can't imagine witnessing something like that - it must have been just awful. :(

[Shell Beau]

4. Probable cause?

Didn't people see him do it? That is disgusting. To hear that it probably drowned b/c it couldn't pick up its neck, that is just so sad and devastating. This guy is a scumbag POS. :mad: I hope he gets exactly what he deserves.

[NorthernSpy]

5. like that bastard who killed the goose and stomped her little goslings...

... in Attleboro, MA. It happened around Mother's Day.

What kind of man goes around beating up birds?

[RedCloud]

7. Lake Eola is right in the heart of Orlando.

There have to be some witnesses.

[ZombieNixon]

8. Shit like this almost makes me support the death penalty.

:mad: :puke: :mad: :mad: :nuke:

What kind of sick fuck does this?!